Oregon-UCLA Capsule
No. 12 OREGON (4-1, 1-1) at No. 18 UCLA (4-1, 1-1), 3:30 p.m. (Fox)
Line: Oregon by 2 1/2.
Series Record: UCLA leads 39-27.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
The matchup was a whole lot more compelling a week ago, before Oregon lost at home to Arizona and UCLA fell at home to Utah. Yet the losses only increase the stakes for two schools that realize their national title aspirations probably are finished with a second straight defeat.
KEY MATCHUP
Oregon QB Marcus Mariota vs. UCLA LBs Eric Kendricks and Myles Jack. Although the Heisman hopeful couldn't rally the Ducks past Arizona, he still has the nation's highest passer rating while throwing for a TD in every game. The Wildcats contained Mariota with pressure, and the Bruins still don't have a sack this season from Kendricks and Jack, their dynamic tackling duo.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Oregon: CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu. Most observers think he hasn't lived up to his preseason billing, and he took a rough pass-interference call against Arizona. The Ducks could use a shutdown game to hinder Brett Hundley's connection with his receivers.
UCLA: QB Brett Hundley. This game could be the measuring stick for three-year starter who had hoped to challenge Mariota with a Heisman run. Hundley has been solid throwing the ball, but his inability to avoid sacks is threatening to ruin UCLA's offense.
FACTS & FIGURES
Oregon hasn't lost to UCLA in five meetings since 2007, but the Ducks haven't played the Bruins at the Rose Bowl since 2009, thanks to the vagaries of the Pac-12 schedule. ... Oregon played in Pasadena on New Year's Day in 2010 and 2012. The Ducks beat Wisconsin three seasons ago for their first Rose Bowl win in 95 years and former coach Chip Kelly's first bowl victory ... UCLA is 15 for 15 with 12 touchdowns in the red zone this season. ... Hundley was sacked 10 times last week against Utah. ... UCLA K Ka'imi Fairbairn has made 20 straight field-goal attempts inside 35 yards, but his two long-distance misses with no time on the clock ended the Bruins' loss to Utah.
